US4434650A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hydrocarbon sensor float
Assignee: Emerson Electric Co
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Filing: 1982-05-05
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Granted: 1984-03-06
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Expires: 2002-05-05
Abstract
Abstract A hydrocarbon sensor float for use in detecting the presence of hydrocarbons on the surface of a liquid provides an elongated floatation member having a top end and a bottom end and also having a cavity located centrally therealong and extending completely therethrough, a sensor assembly including a sensor and at least one electrical conductor coupled to the sensor, the sensor assembly being positioned in said floatation member for locating the sensor in the cavity for allowing access of the liquid thereto and for causing the electrical conductor to extend from the top end of the floatation member, and an attachment for a variable amount of weight at the bottom end of the floatation member for providing a variable floatation level for the member with respect to the liquid surface and likewise for the sensor for allowing adjustment of the detection depth for hydrocarbons at an installation site.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph A. Perry
- 👤 Raymond J. Andrejasich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/18; G01N33/1826; G01N33/1833; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/04; G01N27/14; G01N27/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A sensor float for use in detecting the presence of foreign substances in a liquid comprising: (a) an elongated floatation member having top and bottom ends, a cavity extending across said elongated member near said bottom end and opening to sides thereof to permit the passage of liquid therethrough, and a centrally disposed elongated passageway extending from said top end to said cavity, said passageway including an enlarged section exposed to said cavity, (b) a sensor carried in said cavity including insulation means electrically insulating same from said liquid, electrical conductors extending through said passageway, connecting means interconnecting said sensor to said electrical conductors within said enlarged portion, and electrically insulative material carried within said enlarged portion and sealing said connecting means from the environment, and (c) means for attaching a variable amount of weight to said bottom end of said floatation member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A sensor float for use in detecting the presence of foreign substances in a liquid comprising: (a) an elongated floatation member having top and bottom ends, a cavity extending across said elongated member near said bottom end and opening to sides thereof to permit the passage of liquid therethrough, and a centrally disposed elongated passageway extending from said top end to said cavity, said passageway including an enlarged section exposed to said cavity, (b) a sensor carried in said cavity including insulation means electrically insulating same from said liquid, electrical conductors extending through said passageway, connecting means interconnecting said sensor to said electrical conductors within said enlarged portion, and electrically insulative material carried within said enlarged portion and sealing said connecting means from the environment, and (c) means for attaching a variable amount of weight to said bottom end of said floatation member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A sensor float according to claim 1 wherein said sensor includes a diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A sensor float according to claim 1 wherein said electrically insulative material includes potting material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A sensor float according to claim 1 wherein said insulation means includes a polyolefin shrink material encapsulating at least a portion of said sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sensor float according to claim 4 wherein said polyolefin shrink material is tubing and wherein said tubing is impregnated with a polyimide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The float of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching includes a threaded shaft attached to and extending from said bottom end of said floatation member, a nut engageable with said threaded shaft and a plurality of weights each having a hole therethrough for engaging said shaft and nut.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-06 | 1987-09-05 | 1988-03-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-06 | 1991-09-05 | 1992-03-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-06 | 1995-09-05 | 1996-03-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |